Cricket Academy for Sir Garfield Sobers U-19 tournament
THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has joined forces with a cohort of corporate and institutional partners to bankroll Top Level Cricket Academy’s campaign at the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Under-19 Tournament in Barbados.
The tournament, which commenced Monday, stands as a premier developmental pathway, offering the region’s brightest young prospects crucial international exposure against elite club opposition.
Guyana’s charge will be led by skipper Mickel Sharma, with Kishawn Silas named as vice-captain and primary wicketkeeper.
The touring squad reflects a robust cross-section of the country’s emerging talent, drawing heavily from grassroots powerhouses including the GPF Academy, Tucber Park, Demerara Cricket Club, Georgetown Cricket Club, Rose Hall, Malteenoes, and Everest.
Joining Sharma and Silas in the 15-man squad are Jasane Craig, Joshua Bollers, Trilok Nanan, Shahid Ramzan, Nicholas Lovell, Julian Craig, Amar Persaud, Kaylon Callender, Richard Ramdeholl, Shane Prince, Joshua Thomas, Saif Samaroo, and Balashankar Narine.
The support staff comprises coaches Randy Davis and Jason Craig, as well as manager Lon Seecharran.
Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Ravindradat Budhram, who also chairs the GPF Cricket Committee, emphasised the institution’s focus on fostering discipline and leadership through sports, urging the squad to uphold high standards of sportsmanship on the regional stage.
The academy’s trip has been bolstered by a collaborative network of sponsors including the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, ENet, L&L Construction, CopyFix, and E Timbers.
Placed in Zone D, Top Level Cricket Academy faces a gruelling schedule, starting their campaign against Trinidad and Tobago’s Presentation College today.
They will follow with successive fixtures against Barbados’ Christ Church Foundation School on July 14, St. Catherine’s Youth on July 16, USA’s NY Tri-State Youth Development on July 17, and Alexandra School on July 20.
The top team from each of the four zones will progress to the semi-finals ahead of the grand final, while a comprehensive classification system guarantees playoff matches for all remaining places down to 24th.
